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PHEVs emit almost 5x greater global warming pollution than lab-reported data show, as per a recent analysis.

Widening Gap Between Lab and Real-World CO2 Output

Statistics reveals that PHEVs emit only 19% less CO₂ than traditional petrol and diesel cars, according to analysis conducted by a non-profit organization. This differs significantly with laboratory tests, which suggested a three-quarters reduction in pollution.

Analysts examined data from in-vehicle energy use monitors of 800,000 vehicles sold in the EU from 2021 and 2023. The team discovered that real-world CO₂ emissions from PHEVs in 2023 were nearly five times greater than lab figures, up from 3.5 times in 2021.

“Actual CO2 output are increasing, while official figures are decreasing,” stated a lead researcher involved in the report. “That gap is widening and poses a serious issue. As a result, PHEVs pollute nearly as heavily as petrol vehicles.”

Primary Factors Behind the Emissions Gap

Analysts attributed most of the difference to inflated estimates of the “electric driving share” – the ratio of kilometers driven in electric mode compared to overall mileage. They determined that just a quarter of travel was done in EV mode, whereas official assumptions assumed over four-fifths.

Additionally, when operating in EV mode, pollution levels were well above lab estimates. This happened because EV motors were insufficiently powerful enough to operate independently, leading to engines using gasoline for nearly one-third of the distance covered in EV mode.

Regulatory and Economic Implications

According to estimates, the lowballing of PHEV emissions enabled several major carmaker companies to escape over €5bn in fines from 2021 and 2023, by falsely simplifying adherence with European Union average fleet CO₂ standards.

Additionally, drivers of PHEVs would pay about €500 more per year in operating expenses than would be estimated under lab tests.

“The bold claims that automakers often promote about their PHEV cars are clearly way off the mark,” commented a automotive expert. “Consumers are being misled into thinking that by buying a PHEV, they are helping the planet and saving costs. In reality, PHEVs are only slightly improved than regular gas and diesel cars in terms of energy consumption, CO₂ emissions, and operating expenses.”

Policy Discussion and Industry Pressure

Hybrid vehicles have recently been brought again into political debates as automakers have pressed the EU to weaken CO₂ targets. A proposed prohibition on new internal combustion cars in 2035 has faced heavy pressure from the automotive sector and resistance from member states with significant car industries.

Some senior officials have suggested plug-in hybrids as a possible “flexibility” solution to introduce in the legislation.

One independent energy policy specialist, who was not involved with the research, called the analysis a “very useful contribution” after years in which parts of the car sector claimed there was too little information to properly assess real-world CO2 output.

“These findings show, beyond any doubt, that the gap between official and actual PHEV fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions is much, much greater than for gasoline or diesel vehicles,” they said. “All policy changes regarding PHEVs should be implemented with utmost care and considering this data.”